Authorities investigate the sudden death of talented NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore, who died Saturday at age 25.. Tributes pour in for the former Purdue star, remembering his spirit and drive.
NFL wide receiver and former Purdue legend Rondale Moore was found dead Saturday back in his hometown of New Albany, Ind.
According to New Albany police chief Todd Bailey, Moore, 25, was found dead Saturday in a garage in the 1600 block of Ekin Avenue in New Albany. Police said it is suspected he died by suicide. New Albany Police are currently conducting a death investigation. An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday, and the police department is currently investigating the death.
“I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death,” Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement released by the team. “While Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we came to know well and care about deeply. He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots.
"As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career. We are all heartbroken by the fact he won’t continue to live out his NFL dream and we won’t all have a chance to watch him flourish. My prayers are with Rondale’s family, friends, teammates and coaches as we all deal with this tragic news.”
Moore played at New Albany High School for two years before transferring across the river to Trinity High School in Louisville, Ky., for the reminder of his prep career. He then starred at Purdue for current Louisville coach Jeff Brohm, where he was Big Ten Freshman of the year in 2018. Moore also won the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player.
Brohm released a statement on his X account Saturday, and Moore was loved and offering his condolences to Moore's family.
"Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach," Brohm said in in the post. "Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone, the ultimate competitor that wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate what would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale. We loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with. We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family. We love him very much.”
Moore was picked in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals and spend last season on the injured reserve list with the Minnesota Vikings after suffering another in a long line of injuries that plagued him throughout his career, both in college and in the pros. He played only seven games total during his last two years at Purdue.
Moore was a first-team All-State selection as a senior at Trinity High School in Louisville in 2017 and played three seasons at Purdue from 2018 through 2020.
“The Purdue Football family is deeply saddened by the news of Rondale Moore's tragic passing,'' the school said in a statement on Saturday. "An All-American with an infectious smile, Rondale was a joy on and off the field. Someone who left this world too soon, Rondale will be remembered as a legendary Boilermaker.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Rondale's family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Rondale Moore played just 20 games in a Purdue football uniform, but he became a legend during his freshman year.
Against No. 2-ranked Ohio State on Oct. 20, 2018, dubbed the Tyler Trent game, Moore had 12 catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 49-20 upset. an season.
His freshman year, Moore had 114 receptions for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with two rushing touchdowns. His 114 catches are second-most in a single season at Purdue and his receiving yard total from 2018 ranks fourth all-time.
Injuries would limit Moore to just seven games over his final two seasons at Purdue, but when available, he posted some huge numbers, including a 13-catch, 220-yard performance on Sept. 7, 2019 against Vanderbilt. That's the fourth-most receiving yards in a single game in Purdue history.
Moore totaled 135 catches for 1,201 yards and four total touchdowns, but played in only 39 games with the Cardinals. He wasn't able to play at all because of injuries the past two NFL seasons.
Social media was flooded with messages to Moore's family, with many giving reminders to check on family and friends who might be struggling.